Shah Muhammad Sagir

In the context of The late-fourteenth- and early-fifteenth-century literary world of the Bengal Sultanate, when Persian and Arabic narrative and devotional traditions were being adapted for Bengali-speaking audiences., Shah Muhammad Sagir is recognized as Court poet and pioneer of Bengali Muslim literature. Shah Muhammad Sagir wrote Yusuf-Zulekha, a Bengali narrative poem based on the Qur'anic story of Joseph and Zulekha. Its praise of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah suggests that Sagir was probably a court poet and composed the work under the Sultan's patronage or request.

Contribution

Shah Muhammad Sagir wrote Yusuf-Zulekha, a Bengali narrative poem based on the Qur'anic story of Joseph and Zulekha. Its praise of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah suggests that Sagir was probably a court poet and composed the work under the Sultan's patronage or request.

Impact

Sagir is often regarded as the first Bengali writer to bring Perso-Arabic literary themes into Bengali. Yusuf-Zulekha combines religious teaching with human love, uses payar and tripadi metres, and includes references to musical modes that suggest parts of the poem were designed for singing.